U.S. patent number 11,298,483 [Application Number 16/046,131] was granted by the patent office on 2022-04-12 for display and controls for a cpap device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ResMed Pty Ltd. The grantee listed for this patent is ResMed Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Andrew Roderick Bath, Mark Bertinetti, Sandra Robyn Curtis, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Andrew Mikael Price, Rohan Neil Primrose, Heike Thiele, Alexander Virr.
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United States Patent |
11,298,483 |
Hill , et al. |
April 12, 2022 |
Display and controls for a CPAP device
Abstract
A user interface for respiratory apparatus comprises a
combination of a menu display (302), push buttons (304, 308, 310)
and a rotary control dial (306). The user interface may include a
menu control for detecting at least one parameter from the user's
operation of the controls to navigate the menu and applying this to
subsequent operation of the user interface controls. The user
parameter may be a direction of operation of the rotary control
dial which the user associates with a particular direction of
navigation within the menu.
Inventors: |
Hill; Phoebe Katherine (Sydney,
AU), Bertinetti; Mark (Sydney, AU),
Primrose; Rohan Neil (Sydney, AU), Thiele; Heike
(Munich, DE), Virr; Alexander (Gosford,
AU), Price; Andrew Mikael (Sydney, AU),
Curtis; Sandra Robyn (Blue Mountains, AU), Bath;
Andrew Roderick (Sydney, AU) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ResMed Pty Ltd |
Bella Vista |
N/A |
AU |
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Assignee: |
ResMed Pty Ltd (Bella Vista,
AU)
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Family
ID: |
42039014 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/046,131 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20180333550 A1 |
Nov 22, 2018 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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14589052 |
Jan 5, 2015 |
10046128 |
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12998085 |
Feb 3, 2015 |
8944057 |
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PCT/AU2009/001231 |
Sep 17, 2009 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Sep 17, 2008 [AU] |
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2008904835 |
Oct 1, 2008 [AU] |
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2008905107 |
May 28, 2009 [AU] |
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2009902445 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
16/1095 (20140204); A61M 16/109 (20140204); A61M
16/0066 (20130101); A61M 16/0069 (20140204); A61M
16/024 (20170801); A61M 16/0051 (20130101); A61M
16/161 (20140204); A61M 16/0666 (20130101); A61M
16/16 (20130101); A61M 2205/505 (20130101); A61M
2205/18 (20130101); A61M 2205/3368 (20130101); A61M
2016/0036 (20130101); A61M 2016/0027 (20130101); A61M
16/107 (20140204) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
16/00 (20060101); A61M 16/10 (20060101); A61M
16/16 (20060101); A61M 16/06 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1127583 |
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EP |
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2055337 |
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May 2009 |
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EP |
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2 098 260 |
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Sep 2009 |
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EP |
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2 338 420 |
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Dec 1999 |
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GB |
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1997/006843 |
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Feb 1997 |
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WO |
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1998/011574 |
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WO |
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98/41267 |
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Sep 1998 |
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WO |
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WO 01/32069 |
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May 2001 |
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WO |
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2006/019323 |
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WO |
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2007/099093 |
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Sep 2007 |
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WO |
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WO 2007/099093 |
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WO |
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WO 2008/056993 |
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May 2008 |
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WO |
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2009/059359 |
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May 2009 |
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WO |
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WO 2010/014020 |
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Feb 2010 |
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WO |
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2011/056080 |
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Oct 2010 |
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WO |
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Other References
Office Action dated Jan. 29, 2020 issued in European Application
No. 09813892.8 (7 pages). cited by applicant .
Non-Final Rejection dated Sep. 22, 2014 issued in related U.S.
Appl. No. 12/734,469, filed Nov. 5, 2008, 36 pages. cited by
applicant .
Examination Report for corresponding New Zealand Application No.
591807, dated Aug. 16, 2012, 2 pages. cited by applicant .
International Search Report for PCT/AU2009/001231, dated Jan. 28,
2010. cited by applicant .
English Translation of the Notice on the First Office Action for
corresponding CN Application No. 200980137016.4, dated May 28,
2013, 4 pages. cited by applicant .
Extension of Time Granted mailed Jun. 25, 2015, together with
Notice of Opposition to Grant of Patent (Section 21) and an
Application Under Section 21(2) (Proviso) for an Extension of the
Period for Giving Notice of Opposition filed Jun. 24, 2015 in New
Zealand Application No. 615069 (4 pages). cited by applicant .
Respironics RemStar Pro User Manual dated Feb. 28, 2006 referenced
in Office Action dated Mar. 12, 2013 in U.S. Appl. No. 12/734,469
as NPL1. cited by applicant .
Screen dump from
http://directhomemedical.com/ds400-mseries-remstar-pro-cpap0machine.html
referenced in Office Action dated Mar. 12, 2013 in U.S. Appl. No.
12/734,469 as NPL2. cited by applicant .
New Zealand First Examination Report for Application No. 615069,
dated Sep. 20, 2013 (2 pages). cited by applicant .
New Zealand Further Examination Report corresponding to NZ
Application No. 591807 dated Jun. 20, 2013, 2 pages. cited by
applicant .
New Zealand First Examination Report for Application No. 611919,
dated Jun. 20, 2013, 2 pages. cited by applicant .
Deadline for Counterstatement dated Aug. 28, 2015, First Amended
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No. 615069 (22 pages). cited by applicant .
Final Office Action dated Oct. 11, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No.
12/734,469 (37 pages). cited by applicant .
Notice of the Second Office Action w/English Translation dated Feb.
8, 2014 for Chinese Application No. 200980137016.4 (14 pages).
cited by applicant .
Decision of Rejection w/English Translation dated Mar. 18, 2014 for
Japanese Application No. 2011-626356 (4 pages). cited by applicant
.
Notice of Opposition dated Feb. 25, 2014 for New Zealand
Application No. 611919 (2 pages). cited by applicant .
Notice of Opposition to Grant of Patent (amended and clean copies)
issued in corresponding New Zealand Application No. 611919, (4
pages), dated Jun. 23, 2014. cited by applicant .
Statement of Case issued in corresponding New Zealand Application
No. 611919 dated Jun. 23, 2014, (10 pages). cited by applicant
.
Decision of Commissioner issued in related New Zealand Application
No. 615069 mailed Aug. 9, 2016 (14 pages). cited by applicant .
Partial Supplementary Search Report issued in related European
Application No. 09 81 3892.8, dated Nov. 16, 2017, 17 pages. cited
by applicant .
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.
Supplementary European Search Report issued in related European
Application No. EP 09 81 3892, dated Feb. 21, 2018, 14 pages. cited
by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Tsai; Michael J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/589,052, filed Jan. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,046,128, which
is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/998,085, filed
Mar. 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,057, which is the U.S.
National Phase of International Application No. PCT/AU2009/001231
filed on Sep. 17, 2009 and claims priority to Australian
Provisional Application No. 2008904835 filed Sep. 17, 2008,
Australian Provisional Application No. 2008905107 filed Oct. 1,
2008 and Australian Provisional Application No. 2009902445, filed
May 28, 2009. Each of the above identified applications is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An apparatus for treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in a
patient, the apparatus comprising: a flow generator configured to
deliver a supply of air at positive pressure in the range of 4 to
25 cmH2O; a display configured to display a plurality of screens to
a user; a set of controls operable by the user; and a controller
configured to control operation of the flow generator and the
display, receive user input from the set of controls, detect
whether at least one accessory device is connected to the
apparatus, and determine the identity of the at least one accessory
device, if the controller detects at least one accessory device
connected to the apparatus; wherein the controller is configured to
instruct the display to display a first screen of the plurality of
screens based on whether the controller detects at least one
accessory device connected to the apparatus and the identity of the
at least one accessory device determined by the controller, if the
controller detects at least one accessory device connected to the
apparatus; wherein when the display is displaying the first screen
and the controller receives user input from the set of controls,
the controller is configured to instruct the display to display a
second screen of the plurality of screens in response to the user
input; and wherein when the display is displaying the second screen
and the controller determines that a predetermined period of time
has elapsed after the controller received user input without
receiving further user input, the controller is configured to
instruct the display to display the first screen.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory
device is a humidifier and/or a heated tube.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow generator is operable
in a plurality of modes including a standby mode, a mask fitting
mode, a run mode, and an error mode.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the flow generator is in
the standby mode or the run mode, the first screen and the second
screen each is a different one of a patient climate control screen,
a humidifier level screen, a heated tube level screen, and a home
screen.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the flow generator is in
the standby mode, the first screen is a patient home screen and the
second screen is a patient setup menu screen.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the flow generator is in
the standby mode, the flow generator is configured not to deliver
the supply of air at positive pressure.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the flow generator is in
the mask fitting mode, the flow generator is configured to deliver
the supply of air at positive pressure to allow the user to check
for leaks between a mask and the patient's face and, if necessary,
adjust the mask.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the flow generator is in
the run mode, the flow generator is configured to deliver the
supply of air at positive pressure to treat sleep disordered
breathing.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the flow generator is in
the error mode, the controller has detected an error and the flow
generator is configured not to deliver the supply of air at
positive pressure.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predetermined period of
time is thirty seconds.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of controls are
located on the flow generator.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of controls includes
a dial to control ramp time, pressure, humidification, climate
control level, and/or heated tube temperature and humidity.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein if the controller does not
detect at least one accessory device connected to the apparatus,
the first screen of the plurality of screens is a flow generator
default screen that is configured to enable adjustment, using the
set of controls, of a flow generator operational parameter that is
associated with operation of the flow generator, and wherein if the
controller detects at least one accessory device connected to the
apparatus, the first screen is a screen that is configured to
enable adjustment, using the set of controls, of an accessory
device operational parameter that is associated with operation of
the at least one accessory device.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the flow generator
operational parameter is a set treatment pressure or a ramp
time.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one accessory
device is a humidifier and the accessory device operational
parameter is a humidity parameter of the humidifier.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one accessory
device is a heated tube and the accessory device operational
parameter is a heated tube temperature parameter.
17. The apparatus according of claim 13, wherein the at least one
accessory device is a humidifier and a heated tube and the
accessory device operational parameter is a climate control
parameter.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the set of controls further
comprises a first control and a second control, and wherein, when
the display is displaying the first screen, the flow generator
operational parameter or the accessory device operational parameter
is adjustable in response to user interaction with the first
control, and the display is configured to display the second screen
in response to user interaction with the second control.
19. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a backlight
configured to indicate different states of the flow generator.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present technology relates primarily to a respiratory device
with an improved user interface, and to user interfaces for the
control of respiratory treatment devices and for other
user-controlled devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the gold-standard
treatment for people suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing
(SDB), such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Following diagnosis,
patients typically buy or rent a CPAP device together with a
suitable patient interface (such as a mask) that they must wear
every night while sleeping, in order to receive therapy.
Patient compliance with therapy is a significant issue, and it is
believed that amongst a number of factors including patient
comfort, patients are more likely to comply with therapy when the
device is easy to use. Hence an improved user interface can lead to
improved health outcomes for patients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An improved user interface in accordance with one aspect of the
present technology comprises a combination of physical hardware in
the form of switches, display and lighting together with various
electronic components; the visual elements shown on the display and
the process of navigating between, highlighting, selecting and
adjusting relevant parameters of the device.
Another aspect of the present technology is that it is suitable for
use with medical devices providing treatment for sleep disordered
breathing.
Another aspect of the present technology is that it is suitable for
controlling a device for providing a supply of air at positive
pressure, for example a flow generator. Another aspect of the
present technology is that it is suitable for controlling an
optional humidifier. Another aspect of the present technology is
that it is suitable for controlling an optional heated tube.
Another aspect of the present technology is that it is suitable for
controlling a delay timer/ramp in delivery of therapy, for example,
a delay timer or ramp control of pressure.
Another aspect of the improved user interface of the present
technology is that it is suitable to be used in a low light or
darkened room. Another aspect of the present technology is that it
is suitable for use by a person with dark-adjusted eyes. Another
aspect of the technology is that it is suitable for people with
reduced dexterity.
Another aspect of the invention relates to an improved user
interface for a device, for example for a medical device such as a
respiratory device for treatment of sleep disordered breathing, the
device having a user-operable dial which controls selection of menu
items from a display menu, wherein the device includes a menu
control which determines a user preference from the user's
operation of the dial and applies that preference to subsequent
operation of the device.
In one form, the control interface comprises a control for a
device, adapted to: cause entry to a display menu to occur at a
known position in the menu; determine from operation of a control
dial by the user in navigation of the menu at least one user
parameter; and apply the determined user parameter to subsequent
operation of the control dial within that menu.
The user parameter may also be applied to subsequent operation of
the control dial by the user, for example within the same user
session of the device.
In one form, the user parameter comprises a direction in which the
user intuitively turns the dial to navigate the menu, for example
the direction that the user initially turns the dial to navigate up
or down the menu. This has been found by the applicant to vary from
one person to another, with approximately an even split amongst a
population sample.
Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Further forms of the invention are also set out in the attached
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 shows example components of an apparatus for respiratory
treatment of the upper airway of a patient;
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a control relationship of
components of the apparatus for respiratory treatment of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 shows a preferred layout of controls in accordance with the
present technology.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the components relating to the
start/stop buttons.
FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the components relating to the LCD
display.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the components relating to the
push-button dial.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic of the components relating to the menu
keys.
FIG. 8 shows a list of symbols representing operation of controls
for a sample user interface further illustrated in FIGS. 9 and
10.
FIG. 9 shows a sample user interface and controls for a device.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a sample menu structure for the device
control of FIG. 8, with the controls used to navigate the menu.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. Respiratory Treatment Device
The present invention will be described with respect to a flow
generator (FG) for providing air or other breathable gas to a
patient, for example a servo controlled blower for CPAP treatment
of sleep disordered breathing (SDB).
The flow generator may be part of a respiratory treatment device
102 that may include some or all of the components illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the respiratory treatment device will
typically include a flow generator such as a servo-controlled
blower 104. The blower 104 will typically include an air inlet and
impeller driven by a motor (not shown). Optionally, the air inlet
may be coupled with a gas supply, such as for oxygen, to mix with
or supplement the breathable gas supplied by the impeller to the
airway of a user. Moreover, an air filter 103 may be provided, such
as a FIEPA filter, to remove dust or other allergens from the air
drawn into the air inlet. The blower may optionally be configured
for generating varied flows or varied pressures associated with a
patient respiratory cycle depending on the type of treatment (e.g.,
continuous level, bi-level, varying level etc. such as a pressure
in an example range of 4 to 15 cmH2O or 4 to 25 cmH2O) and it may
further be adjusted based on respiratory conditions (e.g., apnea,
hypopnea, obstruction, etc.) detected by the apparatus (e.g.,
apnea, hypopnea, obstruction, etc.).
The respiratory treatment device 102 will also typically include a
patient interface such as a flow delivery conduit 106 and nasal
prongs or nasal cannula 108 to carry the flow of air or breathable
gas to the upper airway of a user of the device or patient. The
blower 104 can be coupled with the air delivery conduit 106 and the
nasal cannula 108 so as to provide the breathable gas from the
blower 104. Optionally, the patient interface may include a mask
(not shown) coupled with the delivery conduit.
Operation of the respiratory treatment delivery apparatus may be
controlled by one or more controller or processors 120, which may
be for example a digital microprocessor.
The controller 120 receives signals supplied from various sensors,
such as those described in more detail below, and applies a control
logic to control the functions of the device, for example to
control the operation of the blower 104 and of the humidifier
heater 111.
The controller or processor 120 is typically configured and adapted
to implement particular control. Thus, the controller may include
integrated chips, a memory and/or processor control instructions or
data in an information storage medium. For example, programmed
instructions encompassing such a control methodology may be coded
on integrated chips in the circuits or memory of the device or such
instructions may be loaded as software or firmware using an
appropriate medium.
The sensors may include one or more pressure sensors 114, 131 such
as a pressure transducer. The pressure sensor 114 can be configured
to measure the pressure generated by the blower 104 and/or supplied
at the nasal cannula or patient airway. In the illustrated
embodiment, the pressure sensor 114 is proximate to the blower 104.
An additional or alternative pressure sensor 131 may be located
downstream of the blower such as in the patient interface. The
pressure sensor generates a pressure signal p(t) indicative of the
measurements of pressure at its particular location.
In some embodiments, the respiratory treatment delivery device may
optionally include one or more flow sensors 116. For example, flow
through the nasal cannula 112 may be measured using a
pneumotachograph and differential pressure transducer or similar
device such as one employing a bundle of tubes or ducts to derive a
flow signal F(t). Although the flow sensor is illustrated in FIG. 1
in a location proximate to the blower, the flow sensor may
optionally be located closer to the patient, such as in the patient
interface or nasal cannula 108.
Optionally, the patient interface and/or blower may also include
accessory devices for patient comfort such as a humidifier 112 and
humidifier heater 111. The humidifier device may be configured or
controlled to heat and/or humidify the breathable gas to a desired
temperature and/or humidity. For example, the device may include a
reservoir or fluid circuit for passing the breathable gas through
or proximate with a fluid or vapour of the reservoir or fluid
circuit. The heater 111 may include one or more heating elements
and/or heating plates to heat the fluid to create the vapour
Additional accessory devices may also be implemented with the
respiratory treatment device. For example, a heater or heating
element(s) such as a delivery tube heater 135 may optionally be
provided in or on the delivery tube of the patient interface to
assist in maintaining the temperature of the breathable gas after
it passes from the humidifier or flow generator.
For purposes of regulating the temperature and/or humidity of the
breathable gas with the heating elements, the apparatus may also
include one or more humidity sensors 117, 121, 136 and/or one or
more temperature sensors 115, 118, 119, 132. The sensors generate
temperature or humidity signals (illustrated as T(t) and H(t) ire
FIG. 1) for controlling or setting temperature and/or humidity of
the comfort devices. Optionally, some of the sensors may be located
for measuring ambient conditions. Thus, these sensors would be
located away from the heaters and humidifier chamber so as to
provide a more accurate reading of ambient conditions.
The controller or processor 120 also communicates with a user
interface of the device which includes control inputs such as
buttons, dials for user control of the device, and a display such
as a screen and/or indicator lights for indicating the device
status and displaying control menus and the like to help the user
select and control operations of the device. In some embodiments,
some or all of the functions of the display and the user controls
may be combined, for example by incorporating a touch screen
display.
2. Modes of Operation
The embodiments of the invention will be further described with
reference to preferred modes of operation as defined below:
Standby mode: When the FG is not delivering pressure.
Mask Fitting mode: When the FG provides a set pressure that allows
the user to check for leaks between the mask & face, and to
adjust the fit of the mask to minimise them.
Run mode: Then FG is delivering pressure for the purpose of therapy
(includes pressure ramping).
Error mode: When the FG has detected an error and is currently not
delivering therapy.
3. User Interface States of Operation
The following user interface (UI) states of operation are referred
to:
No Power state: When the system has no mains power connected either
no power cord, a power cord with wall socket switched off, or a
loss of mains power.
Power Save state: When the Start/Stop key has been pushed and held
for over 3 seconds, and the UI has been switched off except for the
dim green LED backlight of the Start/Stop Button.
Setup state: When a user is interacting with the UI controls and
the FG is in Standby Mode. Note: This is always the first state
that the comes to when the Power is connected.
Adjust state: When a user is interacting with the UI controls and
the FG is in Run Mode
Warming Up state: When a user has activated the Warm Up function to
pre-heat the humidifier (and heated tube) to the set value. The
Warming Up state shall preferably be able to be stopped by
selecting the Warming Up bar with the push button dial and pressing
the dial to stop the Warming Up.
The Warming Up Function shall preferably only be available when the
Humidifier or Climate Control setting is greater than zero, however
the warming up state will warm up both the humidifier and the
heated tube to their set levels.
Warming Ready state: When the humidifier and heated tube have
reached their settings and the system is ready for use. The system
stays in this state until a 30 minute time out is reached (taken
from the start of Warming Up). The Warming Ready state shall be
able to be stopped by selecting the Warming Ready bar with the push
button dial and pressing the dial to stop the Warming Ready
state.
Cool Down state: When the humidifier and heated tube have been in
use during the Warming Up state, Warming Ready state, or Run mode,
and the mode is changed to Standby Mode (eg pushing the Start/Stop
button dining Run mode, or stopping the Warm Up function). This
state is maintained for a duration that allows the Humidifier to
cool down. The purpose of this state is to minimise condensation
build up in the system.
Idle state: When the user has not touched the controls for 2
minutes during Standby mode, the UI shall "rest" with only the
Start/Stop button illuminated and the LCD backlight faded to dim so
that it is still readable.
Preferably this does not apply to the Warming Ready or Cool Down
states.
Sleep state: When the user has not touched the controls for 2
minutes during Run mode, the UI shall go to "sleep" with only the
Start/Stop button illuminated.
Preferably this does not apply to the Mask Fit or Error states.
Mask Fit Standby state: Used when Mask Fit mode is activated from
the Standby mode by pushing and holding the dial. If the user does
not push anything, this state will time out after 3 minutes and
will automatically bring the device to the Run Mode in the Adjust
State.
Mask Fit Run state: Used when Mask Fit mode is activated from the
Run mode by pushing and holding the dial. This is predominantly for
patients, who wish to perform a Mask Fit, but have inadvertently
activated Run mode via SmartStart when putting on their mask.
If the user does not push anything, this state will time out after
3 minutes and will automatically bring the device hack to Run Mode
in the Adjust State.
Alert state: Therapy continues and the UI displays an alert message
over the Menu Page on the LCD and flashes a bright blue LED to
indicate the alert state. Note: If the user alert has been
disabled, the message will still appear but the LED will not flash.
The alert message and LED can be cleared by fixing the issue that
caused the alert or they can be temporarily cleared when any key is
pressed and normal navigation is resumed. If the issue that caused
the alert is not fixed then the alert message will re-appear after
a time out period.
Two further states are specified--a patient menu state and a
clinical menu state. In the clinical menu state, additional
parameters are displayed and controllable when compared to the
patient menu state. In addition, the parameters that are displayed
and controllable in the patient menu are determined from the
Clinical menu. For example, a clinician may decide that certain
menus are available to one patient, and a different set of menus
should be available for a different patient. In addition, the
clinician can decide what information shall be displayed for the
patient during or after treatment. For example, the clinician may
decide whether to display such information as a "Sleep Quality
Indicator" to the patient, and whether to display an Apnea Hypopnea
Index (AHI).
While various preferred time intervals are specified, in other
forms, other time intervals may be used.
4. User Interface Hardware
In one embodiment a user interface according the present
technology, comprises: a start/stop button a display (preferably a
colour display) two menu keys (preferably an information key and a
setup key); & a push-button dial.
An example of a user interface 300 is shown in FIG. 3, which
includes a display 302, such as an LCD window or other suitable
display for display of text and/or graphical information to the
user, a start/stop (or on/off) button 304 at one side of the
display for press control by the user, and a push-button dial 306
which incorporates both rotary dial and push button controls. In
addition, there are push button controls 308, 310 at the side edge
of the display, for example an information (or "info") key 308
denoted by the standard "i" symbol and a setup key 310 denoted by
two tick symbols.
The illustrated display includes at its top a menu title 312, below
that has a menu page 314 for displaying menu information to the
user, and has a series of menu tabs 316 along one side of the menu
page for tabbing through different menu pages.
In one form, the user interface further comprises a humidifier
indicator light.
Schematic diagrams of electrical circuits suitable for implementing
embodiments of the present technology are shown in FIG. 4 to FIG.
7:
FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the components relating to the
start/stop buttons.
FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the components relating to the LCD
display.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the components relating to the
push-button dial.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic of the components relating to the menu
keys.
5 Navigation
In one embodiment, a control scheme for the present device
comprises three main screens: A home screen; An information screen;
& A setup screen.
Each main screen displays at least one parameter. Where there is
more than one parameter, turning the dial leads to each included
parameter being highlighted in turn. Whilst a parameter is
highlighted, it may be selected by pressing the dial. Parameter
adjustments may be made by rotating the dial. Parameter adjustments
may be confirmed by pressing the dial.
Preferably the home screen is the default screen that is displayed
when the device is in standby mode or run mode. Pressing the
start/stop button 306 will adjust the device between the standby
mode and the run mode.
Pressing once on the first push button control 308 results in the
information screen being displayed. Pressing a second time on the
first push button control 308 results in a return to the home
screen.
Pressing once on the second push button control 310 results in the
setup screen being displayed. Pressing a second time on the second
push button control 310 results in a return to the home screen.
In one form, the home screen displays information about a current
patient treatment session when the device is in nm mode.
From the home screen, selecting the information menu key 308 once
results in display of parameters defining the current treatment
session, for example, the CPAP pressure. Selecting the information
key once again, results in a return to the home screen.
From the home screen, selecting the settings menu key 310 once
results in display of parameters that may be adjustable, for
example the mask setting. Selecting the settings key 310 once again
results in a return to the home screen.
The control scheme of the present device facilitates rapid
navigation and display of patient treatment information, as well as
facilitating adjustment of parameters where appropriate.
Preferably the display is 220 pixels.times.176 pixels, or larger.
Preferably the display can show colours.
When starting Run Mode in the Patient Menu the display will change
from the current display to a default screen. If the Humidifier is
connected, or Climate Control is enabled, then the screen will
default to the Humidifier or Climate Control setting so that if the
patient needs to adjust the humidification during the night, they
do not have to navigate anywhere, and they can simply reach over,
turn the dial (which has highly tactile indents) and easily adjust
their humidification level without looking.
6 Backlighting
In a preferred form the start/stop button 306, the display 302 and
the humidifier indicator include backlighting. In a preferred form,
certain colours are used: Green, Blue and Orange are used. However
other colours may be used. When a light changes state, the
transition may be gradual, for example, over 3 seconds. In other
forms, the transition may be more rapid, or slower, or
instantaneous.
6.1 Start/Stop Button backlighting:
In one embodiment, operation of the backlighting of the start/stop
button 306 is used to provide the user with information on the
device status, as described below.
Preferably when the device enters Power Save State the Start/Stop
backlight fades over 3 seconds to DIM GREEN.
Preferably when the device is "Ready for use", ie when it enters
the Setup State, the Start/Stop backlight fades over 3 seconds to
BRIGHT GREEN.
Preferably when in the Standby Mode, and the UI is left for the
Idle period, the Start/Stop backlight remains BRIGHT GREEN.
Preferably when the device enters Warning Up, or Warming Ready
States, the Start/Stop backlight remains BRIGHT GREEN.
Preferably when the device enters the Cool Down State, from run
mode the Start/Stop backlight fades over 3 seconds to BRIGHT
GREEN.
Preferably when going to Run Mode and delivering therapy, or
entering the Mask Fit Run State, the Start/Stop backlight becomes
DIM BLUE within 0.5 seconds of entering this mode. The BLUE LED
remains DIM whilst in use unless there is an error, and then it
shall be BRIGHT BLUE FLASHING.
By providing the DIM BLUE light for run mode, and turning BRIGHT
BLUE FLASHING only in event of error, the comfort, of the patient
and any bed partner is enhanced by not having a bright LED in the
bedroom when trying to sleep. The time periods and transitions
described above are by way of example, and may be varied.
6.2 Display Backlighting:
Preferably when the device enters Power Save State the LCD
backlighting fades over 3 seconds from ON to OFF.
Preferably when the device enters the Setup State, Adjust State,
Mask. Fitting State, or it is awakened from the Idle or Sleep
states by pressing any keys or pressing/turning the Push Button
Dial, the LCD backlighting fades over 3 seconds from OFF to ON.
Preferably when the device enters the Warming Up, Warming Ready or
Error State, the LCD backlight becomes ON within 0.5 seconds of
entering these States.
Preferably when the device enters the Cool Down State, from run
mode the LCD backlight fades over 3 seconds to ON.
Preferably when in Standby mode and the UI is not interacted with
for the Idle period, the LCD backlight fades over 3 seconds to
DIM.
Preferably when in Run mode and the UI is not interacted with for
the Sleep period, the LCD backlight fades over 3 seconds to
OFF.
Fading of the device between the ON, DIM or OFF positions allows
the patient's eyes to adjust to the change in brightness in the
middle of the night when the device state is changed, for example
if the patient wakes up the device or stops it to go to the toilet.
Fading to DIM during Standby mode will help save power, yet still
provide some backlight for the patient to read the LCD display.
Fading to OFF in the Run mode both saves power and minimises
brightness in the bedroom, as during the Run mode the patient will
have no need to read the LCD display.
6.3 Humidifier Backlight:
Preferably when the device enters the Power Save State the
Humidifier Indicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to OFF.
Preferably when the device enters the Setup State the Humidifier
Indicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to BRIGHT BLUE.
Preferably when the device enters the Mask Fit Standby State, the
Humidifier Indicator backlight remains the same as the state from
which Mask Fit was activated from, and returns back to that state
when Mask Fit is complete.
Preferably the Humidifier Indicator backlight becomes BRIGHT BLUE
within 0.5 seconds of entering the Error State with the Humidifier
set to zero.
Preferably the Humidifier Indicator backlight becomes BRIGHT ORANGE
within 0.5 seconds of entering the Warming Ready, Cool Down or
Error State with the Humidifier set between 0.5 and 6.
Preferably when the device enters the Warming Up State, the
Humidifier Indicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to DIM
ORANGE.
Preferably when in the Standby or Run Mode, and the UI is left for
the Idle or Sleep period, the Humidifier Indicator backlight is
turned OFF.
Preferably when entering the Adjust State or Mask Fit Run State,
the Humidifier Indicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to either:
a DIM ORANGE if either the Humidifier or Heated Tube are set
between 0.5 and 6; or a DIM BLUE if both the Humidifier and Heated
Tube are set to zero.
The above-described display and BRIGHT, DIM and OFF backlighting
states, and the fading between them, are used for similar reasoning
as described previously in relation to the Start/Stop button and
Display backlighting.
7 Intuitive Control Dial Arrangement
FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a control dial and user interface
arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows a table of symbols which are used in discussion of the
operation of the control interface further exemplified in FIGS. 9
and 10. The symbols identify the action required to perform a
function within the user interface. Symbol 806 refers to the action
of pushing the start/stop button 306. Symbols 810 and 808 refer to
pushing the setup menu key 310 and info menu key 308 respectively.
Symbol 802 indicates a waiting time for an action to be processed.
Symbols 804, 814 and 824 relate to actions performed using the
rotary dial 304. The actions performed are pushing the dial 804,
turning or rotating the dial 814 and pushing and holding the dial
pressed for a period of time, such as 3 seconds 824.
FIG. 9 illustrates a sample user interface for a medical device,
such as a CPAP respiratory apparatus or a humidifier therefor,
along with the user functions associated with each. The interface
includes a graphical interface such an LCD or other suitable screen
for displaying a control menu, with controls nearby on the device
for the user to control operation of the device by selection of
menu items.
In the example of FIG. 9, the controls include a start/stop button
304, an information ("info") button 308 and setup button 310
adjacent the screen 302, and a rotary control dial 306. In the
illustrated user interface arrangement, the start/stop, information
and setup buttons may be simply push buttons, optionally backlit to
aid user operation in the dark. The dial may be of the type adapted
for continuous rotation, or for shuttling left or right of a
central position within a limited range of rotation, and is also
adapted to operate as a push button to allow additional user input
in that manner.
As can be seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, there are three different
operations of the rotary dial 306 by which the user may input
information: by (1) pushing the dial; (2) turning the dial; and (3)
pushing and turning the dial for a set period, for example for 3
seconds.
As described later with reference to FIG. 10, combinations of
controls may also be used.
FIG. 10 shows a schematic sample of a control menu structure and
the control operations used to navigate within and between the
menus and to select items.
As shown in FIG. 10, a top level menu is shown as shown at the left
side of FIG. 8, with menu items SETTINGS, OPTIONS, REMINDERS and
CONFIGURATION. These menu items are represented graphically along
the left hand side of the screen display, with the currently
selected menu item highlighted as denoted by the lighter square
along the left side of each screen display in FIG. 10, and the
corresponding text shown at the top of the screen display.
By way of example, FIG. 10 further shows expansion of the OPTIONS
and DATE menu items.
To navigate up or down within a menu, the user turns the rotary
control dial left or right, and to access or select the highlighted
menu item the user presses the control dial. Navigation back up one
menu level may be for example by pressing the setup button 306, or
by pressing both the control dial 306 and the setup button 310, as
shown in FIG. 10.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the user
controls incorporate an intuitive control which compensates for
user preferences in the direction in which that user rotates the
control dial to navigate the menu. In particular, the menu format
is arranged so that entry into a menu level is at a known position
in the menu list, preferably at one end of the menu for example at
the top menu item SETTINGS in the top level menu shown in FIG. 10,
or at the item Climate Cntrl within the OPTIONS menu while the EXIT
from that menu level is at the opposite end of that menu list.
The direction that the user initially rotates the control dial 306
to navigate away from that first menu item is detected and that
rotary direction is assigned to be the down direction within the
menu, so that further rotation of the dial in that direction
continues downward navigation within the menu, while rotation in
the opposite direction causes upwards navigation through the menu.
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 10, if the user initially turns
the dial anticlockwise to navigate away from the SETTINGS menu item
in the top menu level to the SLEEP QUALITY menu item, then turning
the dial anticlockwise is assigned to be the down direction to
navigate down the menu items list and turning clockwise to be the
up direction to navigate back up the menu items list.
In this way, the device controls will adjust automatically to the
user preference on the dial operation.
The assignment of the up and down directions may be re-assigned
each time a new menu level is entered, or may be retained for a
longer duration, for example for the duration of the user
session.
The intuitive dial control may be incorporated by any suitable
means, for example within the computer control software of the
device.
It will be appreciated also that the intuitive dial control in
accordance with the exemplary embodiment may have application
beyond the medical respiratory devices to which the invention
relates primarily, to other devices which employ a rotary control
dial.
7 Other Features
The flow generator preferably incorporates automatic switching
between modes of the device, as described below:
Preferably in Patient Run Mode--When there is no interaction with
the UI for a waiting period of 30 seconds, the UI will
automatically return to either, the Patient Climate Control,
Humidifier Level, Heated Tube Level or Home Screen depending what
is attached. This allows the patient to adjust their humidity or
heated tube setting during the night without looking at the
display.
In one form "no interaction" can include minor interaction. For
example, the user interface may return to a Patient Climate Control
mode in spite of a short period of interaction that may result from
bumping or touching the user interface.
Whilst a period of 30 seconds is preferred for the required period,
in other forms, other waiting periods may be used, such as about 5
seconds, or several minutes.
Preferably in Standby Mode--When there is no interaction with the
UI for the Idle timeout duration, the UI will automatically exit
the Patient Setup Menu and go to the Patient Home Screen in the
Idle state.
Preferably during Run Mode in the Patient Menu, the UI will not
allow the user to enter the Patient Info Menu.
In one form, when adjusting a numeric parameter, when the dial is
tamed slowly, it will adjust a parameter in minimal increments, eg
0.2 cmH2O per encoder increment, but when the dial is turned
quickly, it will adjust the parameter in whole number increments;
eg 1.0 cm H2O per encoder increment.
In a preferred form, the controls of the user interface are located
on the flow generator. Hence some controls perform dual function of
being able to control the humidifier as well as aspects of the flow
generator. For example the dial may be able to control ramp time,
pressure and humidification (including climate control level,
heated tube temperature and humidity).
In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in
its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus
not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting
only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the
corresponding words "comprise, comprised and comprises where they
appear.
While particular embodiments of this invention have been described,
it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments
and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein. It will further be understood that any reference
herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication
appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly
known by those skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
* * * * *
References